Health Chef Alex Blog and Message Board

FDA recalls ReliOn Insulin Syringes

FDA Reports Nationwide Recall of Mislabeled ReliOn Insulin Syringes (November 5)
Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:31:00 -0600

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is notifying health care professionals and patients that Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Covidien) is recalling one lot of ReliOn sterile, single-use, disposable, hypodermic syringes with permanently affixed hypodermic needles due to possible mislabeling. The use of these syringes may lead to patients receiving an overdose of as much as 2.5 times the intended dose, which may lead to hypoglycemia, serious health consequences, and even death.

Vegetarian in Seoul?

Q: I am living in Seoul right now. I ve been here for about 2 weeks. It is taking some getting used to, but of course that is normal. However, I am having some trouble eating. I have been a strict vegetarian since 2004, right after I met you. I ve have also gone back and forth with veganism too. Since I arrived here, I don't really know what to do food wise. I ve basically been eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly.

A: I  can recommend the following website as a place to start:
http://www.happycow.net/asia/south_korea/seoul/index.html

Also, there might be a health food store near you, and the employees there could recommend something. Cooking on a hot plate can get you far at home, even if you don't have a full kitchen. I know it seems overwhelming now, but as you spend more time in Seoul you will come across people with similar habits. Perhaps try asking at a yoga studio - they always have veggie leanings!

Green your Halloween!

Here is a great list of ideas on how to improve the goulish waste normally created by this holiday:
http://environment.about.com/od/greenhalloween/ss/green_halloween.htm

Gluten Free Bread Recipe for October Newsletter - ALERT!

The recipe is good, and  you can get it on my newsletter. Just be aware that if you need to go totally gluten free, be sure to get certified gluten free oats. They are available from www.glutenfreeoats.com and www.amazon.com.
Best, Alex

Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes?

Q ...what is the difference between Yams & Sweet Potatoes...if there is any or is it what they are called in different localities? The receipe for Yams (oven-baked I want to try..can it be done w/my already in the refrig sweet potaotes here in Charlotte NC? 
A: Here is a great little article for you - generally, Sweet Potatoes are found in the US. Yams are generally African and aren't as easy to find outside of ethnic shops.
http://homecooking.about.com/od/howtocookvegetables/a/sweetpotatodiff.htm

Best, Alex

Why Schools Should Remove Gene-Altered Foods from Their Cafeterias

Why Schools Should Remove Gene-Altered Foods from Their Cafeterias:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_14507.cfm

This is a great article posted on http://www.organicconsumers.org - kids are experimenting with rats by feeding them healthy, whole foods and then refined junk foods - it's great!

Alex

Sprouting for health - and your pocketbook!

Want to add a cheap, delicious and powerful punch to your meals? Try sprouting at home! It's as easy as ...well, take a quick look at this page on Yahoo!Green:
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/huddlergreenhome/9/how-to-sprout-seeds-for-inexpensive-and-tasty-nutrition.html

FDA finally announces silver/mercury fillings are bad for you!

FDA finally admits mercury fillings (read: silver fillings) are BAD for you!
It's about time!
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/26/a-victory-for-health-fda-forced-to-admit-that-mercury-fillings-are-hazardous.aspx?source=nl

LEARN ABOUT CODEX - YOUR HEALTH MAY DEPEND ON IT!

Here is a good overview of what the Codex means (international guidelines regarding food and nutrient laws - sounds harmless, right?) :

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/06/19/vitamin-c-about-to-be-made-illegal-in-canada.aspx?source=nl

ESPN Article on Professional Vegan Athletes!

ESPN has a great article online about professional athletes who are vegan and vegetarian - so great!

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/080616